Sydney teen charged over threats to Israeli, US presidents

A 19-year-old Sydney man has been granted bail after being charged with allegedly making online threats against US President Donald Trump and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is visiting Australia this weekend, ABC News reports.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) alleged in court that Darcy Tinning, of Newtown, threatened both leaders in a post on X on January 19, including a specific threat to shoot President Herzog with a pistol. He has been charged with one count of using a carriage service to make a threat to kill. Police initially refused bail ahead of February 5 court appearance.

During the bail hearing, prosecutors opposed release, citing concerns that Tinning might act on the “violent” threat against President Herzog during his visit.

Defence lawyer Brendan Green described the comments as “completely inappropriate” but emphasized that his client had no links to extremist groups and no history of violence or non-compliance. Green also noted that Tinning and his family do not have access to firearms.

Magistrate Daniel Covington acknowledged that bail concerns had been heightened in light of the December Bondi Beach terrorist attack, which killed 15 people. He said, “While the alleged offences are serious and concerning, there are reasonable grounds to believe Mr Tinning will comply with bail conditions given the absence of a criminal history and the teenager’s cooperation with police.”

Bail was granted on the conditions that Tinning must remain at home unless accompanied by his mother or father, refrain from using social media, and surrender his passport.

The AFP’s new National Security Investigations (NSI) team arrested Tinning at his home on February 3, seizing a phone and drug paraphernalia. The NSI, established in October last year by Commissioner Krissy Barrett, is part of federal law enforcement efforts to crack down on groups targeting the Jewish community.

President Herzog’s visit is expected to trigger widespread protests despite temporary restrictions imposed by NSW Police following the Bondi Beach attack. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon extended these restrictions for another 14 days, prohibiting rallies in parts of the CBD and eastern suburbs due to safety concerns.

Tinning is next scheduled to appear in court in April.

By Vafa Guliyeva